We want to own faith and the family the way the Washington Post owns politics.

- Clark Gilbert, Former CEO

Deseret Digital Media has a rapidly expanding global reach with an array of online news sites, consumer services, social media channels and other digital products.

Fast Facts

Deseret Digital Media is a leading media and online services company. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, DDM has a rapidly expanding global reach.

Collectively, DDM’s media brands

reach more than

22,000,000

monthly unique visitors

reach nearly

100,000,000

global followers through our social media channels

generate

850,000,000

monthly ad impressions

DDM is part of Deseret Media Companies, which also owns and operates radio stations, a television station, and Utah’s longest-running newspaper. As a mission-driven business owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, DDM aligns its actions to honor its owner and demonstrate the value of its products to users.

Steve TolmanVP of Technology and Chief Information Officer

Clark Gilbert is the CEO of Deseret News Publishing Company and Deseret Digital Media. The award-winning Deseret News is a national voice for faith and family and is one of the fastest growing newspapers in the country. Deseret Digital Media (DDM) manages websites, social channels, and mobile applications that reach over 50 million people monthly. DDM web properties include: DeseretNews.com, KSL.com, Ok.com, Familyshare.com, Familias.com and many others.

Gilbert previously served as an associate academic vice president at Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he oversaw the university's online learning and distance education initiatives. He was also a professor of entrepreneurial management at the Harvard Business School and has a background in media innovation. He has written award-winning articles on innovation in the Harvard Business Review and MIT/Sloan Management Review. He also authored the book "From Resource Allocation to Strategy," published by Oxford University Press.

Gilbert graduated from Brigham Young University. He earned a master's degree from Stanford University and a doctoral degree from the Harvard Business School. He and his wife are the parents of 8 children and live in Bountiful, Utah.

Chris Lee is the President of Deseret Digital Media. Previously, he served as Publisher of the Deseret News and General Manager of DeseretNews.com. Prior to joining Deseret Media Companies, Chris was CEO of Heritage Makers, an on-demand publisher of photo products. He also worked as Director of New Business Development for Ancestry.com. Chris serves as a member of the Salt Lake Chamber Board of Governors and on the board of ChatBooks. He received a BA with Honors from Brigham Young University, and later received an MBA from Harvard Business School. If you are looking for Chris, he may be with his wife Kristen watching or coaching his kids in some kind of sport.

Russell Banz has overseen the award-winning digital news sites of KSL.com, DeseretNews.com, FamilyShare.com and other emerging content products in the DDM portfolio since 2009. Russell previously was the VP of New Media for Bonneville International where he oversaw digital activities for the company’s television and radio stations. He originally joined KSL in 1996, where he was responsible for launching KSL.com, one of the country’s largest media sites. Russell has a BA in business from BYU (cum laude) and an MBA from the University of Utah. Outside of work Russell lives on the basketball court and golf course with his family, where he is known as coach and “dad” — his favorite title.

Jeff Barton is the Chief Financial Officer of Deseret Digital Media with responsibility for all financial, business planning and human resource activities. He is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in corporate finance and accounting with broad experience in startups and large multinational public and private companies. Jeff has worked in senior positions with various high-growth technology companies, including iBAHN Corporation, Chapman Innovations, Campus Pipeline and Iomega. Jeff received a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southern Utah University (magna cum laude), a master’s degree in Accounting from Weber State University, and is a licensed CPA.

Eric Bright is Vice President of E-commerce at Deseret Digital Media, focusing on marketplace commerce products (including classifieds, local commerce and travel verticals). He has over 15 years of experience in e-commerce, online and offline marketing, and general business management. Prior to joining DDM, Eric was a partner and Vice President of E-commerce at FranklinCovey. Previously he was Senior Director of Interactive & Direct Marketing for eBags.com and Senior Director of Consumer Marketing with FranklinCovey. He and his wife, Cicely, have a litter of kids that keep them on their toes. He’s competed in many endurance events around the country, and on early mornings and weekends you can find Eric riding or running the pristine singletrack of the Wasatch Mountains.

Dale Darling is Deseret Digital Media’s “rainmaker.” A convert from the broadcasting industry to the digital media platform, Dale is a highly talented sales professional. Along with a great team and DDM leaders, Dale has grown DDM’s annual digital revenue by 5x since 2009. Dale has an amazing family with “three of hers, one of his, and one of theirs” that brings together some truly unique personalities. He spends much of his free time working for his church and other charitable organizations that are willing to let him into their board rooms. Dale is a runner, skier and a very frustrated golfer. He has finished nine marathons, and even though he didn’t set any records, he did finish each one.

Todd Handy is responsible for DDM's Advertising Strategy & Products, AdOperations, Sales Operations and Performance Management & Reporting. He launched DDM’s Inside Sales team in January, 2010, and has been integral in growing it from $0 to low seven-figures revenue in four years. He previously served in various senior roles in the Internet, high tech, information technology and consumer electronics industries, most notably at AOL. Todd is an avid cyclist, and spends most of the spring and summer racing and training for the LOTOJA (a 206-mile race from Logan, Utah, to Jackson, Wyo.), which he’s completed ten times, so far. He also once won $10,000 on “The Price Is Right.” (Thanks, Bob!)

Greg Peterson

President, DDM Local

Greg Peterson came to DMC after 20 years with The Kellogg Company, where he started as a Brand Manager and later was Vice President of Marketing Services in the U.S. He held assignments in seven countries, most recently as Managing Director for Kellogg's U.K. and Irish businesses and a Vice President of the global Kellogg Company. Greg has a track record of growing business and building strong teams. Prior to joining Kellogg, Greg was at Procter & Gamble in Brand Management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Utah and an MBA from Northwestern University with a concentration in marketing and finance.

Steve Tolman is Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer at Deseret Digital Media. He is responsible for leading and managing the technology team, which is composed of some of the most talented and innovative people he has had the privilege to work with. Prior to joining DDM, Steve was CIO at Deseret Management Corporation, DDM's parent company. He also has worked for Digital Equipment Corporation, General Electric Company and BF Goodrich's R&D center. He received a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in design engineering technology from Brigham Young University. Steve enjoys jazz music, BYU sports, learning Hebrew and its symbolism, and spending time with his family.

Lori Pugh is the Sr. Director of Human Resources for DDM as well as the Deseret News. She has responsibility for all personnel efforts at both companies. Prior to joining DDM and the Deseret News, Lori oversaw the human resources department at iBAHN. She has over 20 years of professional experience not only in human resources, but administration, training, marketing, and legal—mostly in the high-tech sector. Lori enjoys spending time walking and playing with her dogs and taking her nieces and nephews to Disneyland. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Utah.